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Podcast Topic: Local Context

In this episode, Chinwe Okpala sits down with Nissi Ekpott for a rich, thought-provoking conversation on how culture shapes the perception of risk across different African contexts. From navigating cross-border business deals in the early 2000s (often involving literal bags of cash) to building purpose-driven enterprises in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, Nissi shares firsthand stories that bring the reality of risk into sharp focus. But beyond the stories, they also explore the real, on-the-ground risks entrepreneurs face in West Africa – from currency volatility to human capital challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about doing business in Africa, this episode will deepen your understanding of how risk is perceived, navigated, and lived across the continent.

Ashton Fourie interviews logistics and leadership executive Jeff Phiri about what it means to lead wisely in uncertain environments. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience at DHL across global markets, Jeff shares practical insights on navigating geopolitical instability, supply chain disruption, corruption risk, and personal integrity under pressure. At the centre of the conversation is an unexpected leadership model: Nehemiah. Jeff explains how Nehemiah’s example of prayer, planning, courageous action, and a refusal to be distracted from his mission, has shaped his approach to risk, leadership and decision-making across more than 50 countries. From crisis management during Middle East conflict, to the realities of doing business in Africa, to the personal disciplines required to sustain leadership over decades, this episode explores why faith and planning are not opposites – but essential partners in responsible leadership.

In this fourth episode of Ziwani’s RISK series, Kerryne Krause interviews Musyoki Muindi, a Kenyan entrepreneur in the electric motorbike market. He shares what it takes to pioneer new technology, highlighting how Enzi’s success is built on two priorities: chasing high performance through community-driven R&D, and ensuring their riders can always keep moving, no matter what.   He also offers deeply personal insights on risk and responsibility from his 17-year career at an international mission organisation, working in East Africa, the UK and the US – reflecting that God sometimes takes us on unexpected detours that only make sense in retrospect.   From lessons learned in navigating the complex dynamics of cross-cultural partnerships, to carefully calculating risk without seeing the whole picture, Musyoki’s story invites us to take a more nuanced view of risk, to value relationships, and to trust the unfolding purposes of God.

In Episode 9 of the Big Change series, the Rev. Dr Dennis Tongoi joins Jonathan Wilson to shed light on African Traditional Religion, animism, and the experience of demonic powers. Drawing on the Biblical story of a witch doctor paid to curse Israel (Balaam and Balak) they provide a deeply thoughtful perspective on how dark powers can trap us in destructive behaviours (whether we believe in them or not), and how these are ultimately powerless against God's blessing over our lives.

Medical technology innovator Dineo Lioma joins host Jonathan Wilson in Episode 6 of the Big Change series. They consider different approaches to solving the systemic issue of enabling equal access to quality healthcare, in a country where millions of people have extremely limited options. Their thought-provoking discussion ranges far and wide – from building a start-up, to the historical fight against the slave trade, to South Africa's proposed NHI.

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